Describes the ordeal of American, British, and Australian prisoners held by the Japanese during World War II, revealing the hardships that they endured as well as the strength, determination, and friendship that helped many of them to survive.

pt. 1. Surrender -- Changi -- The railway of death -- The real story of the bridge on the River Kwai -- "Speedo" -- Sonkurai : Valley of the Shadow of Death -- The railway opens -- pt. 2. Survival -- Books -- Food -- Religion -- Jungle medicine -- Smoking Gone with the wind -- King Rat -- Letters -- Entertainment -- Sports -- Ingenuity -- The "canaries" -- Officers and gentlemen -- pt. 3. The hellships -- Japan -- Haruku -- Sandakan -- Changi 1944-45 -- Freedom -- Home at last.